On Monday, the craziness from the previous day continued. We did fine through Sunday night, and I don't remember what she woke up, but Jeff dosed her for breakfast. When it was time for lunch on Monday, at about 11:30, I checked her and she was 77. We were having spaghetti with alfredo sauce, so I went ahead and gave her Novolog, because she loves pasta and typically eats a ton of it. Only .5 unit, because it didn't even calculate out that she needed any, but typically she needs a little something, otherwise, she'll just skyrocket. We (no school on Monday- the kids were all home) all sat down together and not even 5 minutes later, she begins to complain about her tummy hurting. Then it spirals down from there.....she began to wobble in her seat and I jump up just in time to catch her from falling. She couldn't get food onto her fork and kept saying, "I can't eat, I can't eat". I grabbed some glucose tabs and a juice box and all the while, David is standing behind her, making sure she doesn't fall again. I test her....23. Not even 10 minutes had passed since the last reading. I was stunned. She recovered fairly quickly, but I kept a close eye on her and about an hour later, had to give her a snack of bread and butter before her nap because she certainly didn't have enough carbs in her to recover from the low AND to cover the insulin I gave her. The rest of the day went pretty smoothly.
This morning, we cut back on her insulin to carb ratio. We went from 1:10 to 1:12 and also cut the Lantus back to 3 units to 2.5 units. I also checked her at 9:30 am and she was at 148. Now...that's a very good number...but there was no way that she was going to make it to lunch. So I gave her a graham cracker (12g) and it helped a little....she was 85 at lunch. Lunch consisted of a hot dog, half a banana and cottage cheese. I didn't give her any insulin with lunch and an hour later she had risen to 149. She stayed right that range straight through her nap , waking up at 155. She had some cheese for a snack and I decided we just needed to what those numbers were going to do. When everyone got home from school, we checked again and she had dropped to 114. So, I gave her 2 sheets of graham crackers (24 g) and when I checked her at 5, she was at 189. We picked Jeff up from work and just before dinner at 6, the meter again read 189. Taco soup and corn chips for dinner, I think she had 19 grams of carbs total and it worked at to 1 unit of insulin. I gave it to her and then left to go lead the women's recovery group. When I got home 3 hours later, Jeff had already checked her again and she was 62. He had given her more graham crackers and marshmallows (gotta love Daddy- he gives the good sweet treats). I just checked her a minutes ago, and she had already dropped to 97. Now, I know that graham crackers don't have enough "stuff" to get her through the night....but I was hoping that it would last a little longer than it did.
So...we've dialed back the insulin some and we are checking her like crazy! Last night, I was spent...wiped out...ready to quit....and then God stepped in. I went to a Concert of Prayer last night- Jeff HIGHLY encouraged me to go--like nearly forced me out the door. I didn't want to, but knew that I needed to! I knew that if I went, that I would be a basket case of emotions and indeed, I was. There were about 12 people there and close to the end, our worship leader asked if anyone had any needs/concerns that needed prayed for. Of course, I didn't volunteer, but after we had prayed for a close friend, our pastor looked right at me and said "I think we need to pray for Jada" and I LOST it. They gathered around, layed their hands on me and prayed with all their might...for her healing, for Jeff and I as we try to manage this, for our other kids and for our recovery ministry. I had a release of emotions that was such a long time coming! I LOVE the people in our church and how they love our family....they truly are our "Alaska" family. When I got home, Jeff sent me to bed for some much needed sleep and took care of Jada through the night. First full nights sleep in a couple of weeks and I desperately needed it.
I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that God is good- ALL of the time, not matter what happens. His grace has been sufficient for me through this point and will ALWAYS be. I am content with that.
9 comments:
Oh I hate to say this but seems to me she sounds very much like what is termed a brittle diabetic . I hope you dont mind me jumping in and saying what I believe . I think you should log these episodes for her endo if she has cause i know you are in alaska . I would write down every episode she has and give the log book to your dr next time you see them . this is sheer agony for you and her . good luck and I am sorry you are having such a bad time . God I wish I was there to see what is going on and help you but unfortunately I am not . But please call your dr and discuss these episodes with them .
I love it that your "family" gathered around you when you needed it the most. God is good. Do you think Jada might be going through another Honeymoon period? Christopher went through several when he was little. Just a thought. Another thought; when Christopher gets sick he drops a lot then afterwards, he goes high. Of course that does not help her lows. You guys are in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about the craziness you've been through these past few days, but I love to hear about the support you have from the people around you.
When I first read her dose amounts and how little rapid-acting insulin you give Jada, I freaked out about the amount of insulin we have to give Elise. And then I remembered Elise is on diluted. It seems my brain is starting to mis-fire from all the lack of sleep! We're still having major overnight issues.
Praying for you, Jada and your whole family. I hope you get these numbers figured out soon.
I just wanted to say that this is totally normal. It happens with the little ones. Especially within the first two years of diagnosis. You will come through this! You may not know why everyhting happens, (diabetes can make no sense,) but just take it day by day. Adjusting as you go, just like you've been doing, and eventually things even out.
You're doing everything right! Lean on God, lean on your husband and once in awhile get a little break. Jada is in good hands. All will be well friend!
Oh Amy I'm so sorry! But what a neat story about your church! God takes care of us often through the hands of others. Neat story. Thanks for sharing it. As for Jada, her sugars are all over the place. That drop from 77 to 23 is crazy. I read somewhere that glucometers can be up to 30-40 points off of actual bg numbers at any given time. Maybe it was just a misread? Either way I am so sorry. Know you have prayers coming your way from Idaho too. Hugs!
I'm so sorry to hear that you and Jada and your family are having such a tough time lately. Darn Diabetes but I am happy to hear that you have such a wonderful supportive community. You are very lucky :)
I'm so sorry to hear about the roller coaster of numbers....insulin is so fickle and, sometimes, you just can't figure it out.
I'm so happy to hear of your supportive network. PRAYER WORKS! Thank you, Jesus for comforting this mother's heart!!!!
Praying. Alot for you guys.
Oh girl, I wish we lived closer (well, you further south =p) so I could help you out some. I know the exhaustion, though not the kind you go through with such serious matters in your hands. But I've been near collapse before trying to do it all my own. So glad you have a wonderful husband who shoved you out the door! Sometimes you've just got to take time for you. I'm looking forward to our very brief honeymoon next week not just for the obvious reasons ;), but for the long awaited break from mommyhood. It might sound bad, but it's true. Take your breaks when needed so you'll be a more refreshed mommy.
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